My story
For over 15 years, I have dedicated myself to a diverse range of disciplines, leading to significant personal growth and self-improvement. My studies have encompassed a wide spectrum of practices, including Parkour, Breakdance, Capoeira, Tricking, Cliffdiving, Handbalancing, Yoga, Meditation, and mindfulness. However, the most crucial skill I've honed during this journey is the art of teaching.
My mission is to bridge the worlds of movement and mindfulness, and I aspire to share this invaluable knowledge with you.
I am passionate about assisting you in gaining a deeper understanding of your own body and its capabilities.
My full name is Kevin Theodor Necker.
I spent my formative years in a small town in the north-west of Germany.
My life had seemingly been charted out quite conventionally by external expectations. I had the privilege of growing up in a family of the middle class in Germany, never wanting for anything. Annual family vacations to Florida were a tradition, and by the time I turned 19, I had already secured my own apartment and was driving a BMW convertible following my graduation.
I pursued a career in law and subsequently worked for the city council. On the surface, I had it all – a stable relationship, a comfortable place to call home, a secure job, and the appearance of a worry-free life. Yet, deep within my soul, I grappled with profound frustration and discontent.
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I firmly believe that each individual must confront their unique life challenges to truly grow and understand what it means to live. For me, that challenge was breaking free from the confines of societal expectations.
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The conventional script that dictates:
"Secure a respectable job, reside in an upscale apartment, marry at 30, have two children, one of each gender, diligently pay the mortgage, work until the age of 67, and retire on a tranquil balcony" never resonated with me from the outset.
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However, summoning the courage to stand up for oneself and pursue an unconventional path is easier said than done.
At the age of 25, I finally summoned the courage to take full responsibility for my life. While it may have felt like a somewhat belated decision, I firmly believe it's never too late to take charge of one's destiny.
As a consequence, I made some pivotal life-changing choices. I ended a four-year relationship, even though my partner was supportive, loving and worthy. I had to take this journey all by myself. My decision was met with resistance from my father, leading to a falling-out that left me without a place to call home. He kicked me out and never spoke a friendly word to me ever since.
I found myself starting from scratch, this time entirely on my own.
However, it was this period of starting anew that allowed me to truly discover who I am and what I aspire to become.
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I was fortunate to maintain my office job, providing me with financial stability. Outside of office hours, I seized every available moment to work on manifesting my dream:
Being free.
Working as a movement teacher all over the world, my mission is to empower individuals to improve their physical well-being and nurture a mindset that emboldens them to pursue their true calling.
In the year 2019, I made a pivotal decision to establish my own brand, "Mindsetoftheo." Embracing my middle name, Theodor, I proclaimed to myself and the world that I had undergone a profound transformation. The old persona of Kevin, with its burdens of negative beliefs and memories, was laid to rest. In its place, I adopted a set of new values: a commitment to honesty, an open-minded approach, a dedication to speaking my truth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Mindsetotheo was born.
I commenced documenting my journey online on Instagram, and it took some time to discern the best way I could be of assistance to my community. Today, my Instagram account is filled with movement tutorials and guidance on cultivating a lifestyle and mindset conducive to becoming the finest version of oneself. Beyond social media, I engage with online clients, conduct workshops, and host retreats to disseminate my message and help others on their journeys.
The most profound transformation occurred when I delved into the world of Yoga. Movement has been an integral part of my life since day one, from playing football at the age of 4 to eventually taking the difficult step of departing from the sport at 21, choosing to pursue my own interests over the expectations of my father. At the age of 13, I discovered parkour and embarked on a journey exploring various movement arts, including Tricking, Breakdance, Capoeira, Diving, Partner Acrobatics, Hand Balancing, and ultimately Yoga. It was during the Covid lockdown in 2020 that I decided to undertake my first yoga teacher training. Initially drawn by the desire to perfect handstands and splits, I emerged with a profoundly enhanced understanding of myself. Yoga played an integral role in reshaping the very essence of my brand and my offerings. While my social media may feature awe-inspiring, high-level physical performances honed over years of dedicated practice, the true essence of my message transcends the physical realm; it delves into the realms of mental and emotional transformation.
This is why it's "mindsetoftheo" and not "movementoftheo."
Immediately after completing my yoga teacher training, I embarked on my teaching journey, sharing my knowledge in various countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, and France. During this period, I honed my distinctive teaching style, one that harmoniously bridges the profound mindfulness of yoga with high-level physical skills.
However, my journey was far from over. Determined to fully immerse myself in learning from the best, I took a bold step by liquidating all my possessions, including my car, bidding farewell to my flat, and leaving my office job to embark on a world-spanning adventure. This journey led me to Asia, where I had the privilege of learning from illustrious mentors and practitioners. Among them were Handbalance teacher Remi Espuche and Yuval Ayalon, and I found invaluable guidance and mentorship in Daniel Rama. Notably, Rad Radoslav also deserves mention for helping me navigate the intricate world of social media. Along the way, I had the privilege of practicing alongside individuals of extraordinary talent, including Matthew Smith, Andry Strong, and Dylan Werner.
In the process, I cultivated friendships with role models such as Sondre Berg and Leo Moves. To borrow the words of Bruce Lee, I followed his philosophy, "I took what was useful to me, left aside what wasn't, and added what is uniquely my own."
Today, I am grateful to have cultivated a community of nearly 1 million followers on Instagram. I conduct workshops and retreats across diverse European countries and teach in locations spanning from Asia in the east to the Caribbean islands in the west, influencing and inspiring people all around the world.
THE OBSTACLE IS THE PATH
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Throughout my journey, I faced numerous setbacks. In 2015 and 2018, I underwent knee surgery not once but twice. When I damaged my knee again in 2020, doctors recommended extracting my meniscus. Against all conventional wisdom and advice, I chose to forgo surgery and embarked on a path of self-healing. This was a profound turning point where I began to trust in myself, listen to my heart, and attune to my body. I delved deep into the mindful practices of yoga. Remarkably, I continue to navigate life with a torn meniscus in my left knee. Each day, I diligently work on my recovery, defying expectations. You can often find me performing single-leg backflips (yes, even on the left knee!), deep squats, and mastering yoga poses that involve tucking my leg behind my head. This journey underscores my unwavering connection to the physical body, the power of self-love, and a resilient, open-minded, and optimistic mindset that doesn't blindly adhere to the words of doctors.
For an individual who refuses to surrender, no obstacle can stand in their way. Day after day, I persisted in pursuing my dream. While others reveled in parties, I dedicated my time to self-education and relentlessly followed my true calling for several years. I relinquished everything I had, uncertain of the outcome. I journeyed through countless trials, facing rejection from my father, hearing discouraging words from medical professionals who questioned my ability to run again, and being advised to choose the safe path of an office job. As a side note, upon returning from my year of travel, I took the bold step of leaving my office job behind.
Today, I am living my dream as a full-time movement and mindfulness teacher. I am here, wholeheartedly, to support you on your own odyssey of pursuing your dreams.
Remember this: I believe in you.
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With much love and respect,
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Theo.
